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Interior Designer Career Interview
Amye Charfoos is the owner of Foosology, LLC, an interior design company located in Chicago, Illinois. Although she pulls from experience in photography and business as well, her passion for interior design began when she was very young.
Interior Designer Career Path
“Well, they say the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” says Amye. “My mom is an interior designer, and my dad is a builder. It is something in my blood. I grew up talking about design and construction around the dinner table.”
“I can still remember, as a young kid, wearing a tiny hard hat and walking construction sites with my dad,” she continues. “With my mom, I browsed through various furniture showrooms and art galleries.”
“Through this exposure, I developed a heightened sensitivity for interior environments. I remember rearranging my bedroom furniture every which-way throughout my childhood, and when we went out to dinner, I took notice of the décor in the restaurants and commented on their finishes. I loved to get tours of my friends’ houses to see how other people lived and decorated.”
“I think a lot of people can relate to this interest in interiors, but I just started at a particularly young age,” Amye adds.
Interior Designer Experiences
Amye initially received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in photography with a minor in business from Washington University in St. Louis, which isn’t the norm for interior designers.
“When applying to colleges the first time around, I knew that I wanted to combine my interests in business and the arts,” she explains. “Growing up, I met a lot of wonderful artists that lacked a savvy business sense. I met great business-minded people, but they weren’t able to work creatively. I have the ability and interest to work in both. That makes for an unusual but extremely valuable combination.”
“I wanted to find a career that allowed me to make a business out of making art,” Amye continues, “so I found a wonderful liberal arts college that had a very strong art school and business school.”
After earning her BFA, Amye moved to Chicago and did freelancing photography and assisting work before starting her own photography studio.
“For two years, I had a very successful portrait business, meeting amazing people and building up a great client and referral list, but like many artists I got an itch for something new and fresh,” she recalls. “Being in Chicago, which has such a strong architectural and design history, I fell in love with interiors again.”
Amye scoped out interior design programs until selecting Harrington College of Design in Chicago and earning an Associate’s degree in interior design.
“In design school we took several trips to the Merchandise Mart and various showrooms, which was extremely helpful,” she says. “Showrooms can be intimidating. Understanding how they work and developing the lingo through the help of our instructors was very beneficial.”
Amye started her professional interior design career even before she earned her degree.
“Just a few months before graduating, I started networking again,” she continues. “Rather than going on my own right away, I decided to find a job working for someone else, learning the industry while getting paid. I was really interested in construction and what is called ‘hard finishes’ (cabinetry, millwork, tile, etc.). Since the real estate market was hot at the time, I met a residential developer and landed a job before school had even finished. It was a fantastic opportunity and an amazing growth period.”
After two years, Amye was ready to go out on her own again. She has owned her own interior design company for the past two years.
Interior Designer Degree Programs
A Bachelor’s degree in interior design is ideal for any hopeful interior designers, although an Associate’s degree in interior design combined with a Bachelor’s degree in another art and design field can still make you marketable.
“If time and money permits, try for a minor in business or be sure to take some basic business-oriented classes,” Amye advises.
Some interior design companies also require that you be certified by the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ).
Interior Designer Job Description
Amye is the owner of Foosology, LLC, an interior design company with an emphasis on residential interior design, and being the owner includes a variety of responsibilities.
“Not only am I an interior designer, but also marketer, accountant, office manager, gofer, public relations professional, and salesperson,” she says. “You name it, I do it. Many people hire additional staff as they grow, but for now, I really enjoy all aspects of being a small business owner and am fine being a one-woman-show.”
Interior Designer Daily Routine
“There’s no such thing as a normal day in the world of interior design, especially as a small business owner,” Amye explains. “That’s what I love about the field. My entire client meetings take place outside of the office, whether at my client’s home or at a showroom. So, my days and schedule are really built around my client meetings.”
“The only thing that is typical about my days is that they are well planned and scheduled,” she adds.
Interior Designer: Steps to Success
According to Amye, a successful interior designer must: “value the history of interior design; learn and implement spatial planning; develop a great eye for mixing colors and textures; have an appreciation for form and function; advance your people skills, specifically patience and understanding the psychology of your clients; and dress professionally and creatively because it is your first artistic expression to your audience.”
Interior Designer Job Opportunities
As with most artistic/creative fields, there is heavy competition in interior designer. However, if you have the talent and you are willing to work hard at your craft, the opportunities will present themselves.
“I think if you are willing to start from the ground and work your way up, there are many opportunities to get your foot in the door,” says Amye. “Be flexible, persistent, professional and creative.”
Interior Design Career Favorite Aspect
“I believe that my job is to help my clients live a more creative life,” Amye explains. “I try to show them the design world through my eyes and share all the joys and pleasures to be had in a well-designed environment. In the end, having clients that live and enjoy spending time in their home is the best feeling.”
Interior Designer’s Future Ambitions
Amye is excited for her upcoming opportunities in her career because she loves interior design and the many paths it creates.
“Around the corner, I’d love to take on more construction and renovation projects,” she says. “It’s one of my strong suites and sets me apart as a designer.”
Advice for Prospective Interior Designers
“Education and exposure to all things design-related are key to a successful career in interior design,” Amye advises. “It is important to stay inspired and intrigued. Read design magazines, find your favorite design blogs, visit showrooms, antique dealers, art dealers, and museums, travel, take photos, keep a journal, and file favorite design ideas for the future.”
She adds, “If you love interiors and design, you will find your own pathway to success.”
